Evaluating the quantitative and qualitative contribution of zoos and aquaria to peer-reviewed science.

Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research 2/2020: 124–132.

Abstract:

The EU Council Directive relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos, as well as major global and regional zoo associations, calls upon zoos and aquaria to support biodiversity conservation and research. However, assessments of the scientific contribution of zoos remain scarce to date. This paper, therefore, evaluates for the first time the quantitative research productivity of the 71 members of the Association of Zoological Gardens (Verband der Zoologischen Gärten, VdZ) and analyses aspects of its qualitative outcome. Between 2008 and 2018, VdZ members produced or contributed to 1,058 peer-reviewed and mostly ISI Web of Science (WoS)-listed publications, with productivity rates increasing over time. They did so either as (co-)authors or by supporting external research teams with access to animals, data or biological samples deriving from their respective ex-situ animal collections. The publications resulted in 8,991 citations appearing in 284 mostly not zoo-related journals. These findings, plus the large range of subject areas and animal species focused on, suggest a broad audience group reached. It is concluded that VdZ member zoos and aquaria make valuable contributions in certain fields of peer-reviewed science of which benefits might accrue for evidence-based ex-situ and in-situ conservation planning and management.

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